Qualifying for CRSC under GW syndrome - Fibromyalgia

[LDub19]

I am curious to know if other Navy/Marine Corps retirees (medical retirees as well) are able to receive CRSC due to Gulf War Syndrome. I have read in some forums that unless the VA specifically lists that your disability is connected to your deployment in a combat environment, the Navy/Marine Corps will not approve your CRSC.

I deployed to Afghanistan and a year after I returned, I experienced two tragedies in close timing (death of a family member and a friend committed suicide). That was around the time that I experienced fibromyalgia symptoms for the first time as well. Four years later, I was med boarded for fibromyalgia and subsequently medically retired a year later. I had no idea that service in that region has resulted in so many people experiencing fibromyalgia. The doctor only told me that my experience with loss is what triggered it. With that said, the VA did not attribute my fibromyalgia diagnosis to my deployment in Afghanistan on my decision letter, so I am wondering if my request for CRSC will be denied for that reason.

Has anyone been approved for CRSC and Fibromyalgia under the “GW” combat code without that being mentioned in your decision letter (regardless of service)?

 

[RonG]

Hello @LDub19 ,
cc: @RetiredColonel-MikeT

There is no penalty for submitting a CRSC application.

My opinion is that a disability that is not rated by the VA as service connected, would not qualify for CRSC. That non-rated disability would not cause part of the VA offset; therefore, could not be a portion of the CRSC replacement of waived retired pay.

CRSC replaces waived retired pay for combat related disabilities. In other words, some or all of the VA compensation received was considered to be combat related .

The DoD Financial Management Regulation includes these selected guidelines:
DoD 7000.14-R Financial Management Regulation Volume 7B, Chapter 63 * May 2022
CHAPTER 63
COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)

CRSC provides special compensation to members of the Uniformed Services who have
retired pay reduced because of receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation where a portion of such VA disability compensation is the result of disabilities that are combat-related as determined by the Military Department.

NOTE: The Department will record for each disability determined to be combat-related which of the criteria provided at subparagraphs 5.2.1 through 5.2.4 qualifies the disability as combat-related. A determination of combat-relatedness (see section 6.0) will be made concerning each separate disability with an assigned medical diagnosis code from the VASRD. A retiree may have disabilities that are not combat-related. Such disabilities will not be considered in determining eligibility for CRSC or the amount of CRSC payable.

Good luck,
Ron

 

[LDub19]

Hello @LDub19 ,
cc: @RetiredColonel-MikeT

There is no penalty for submitting a CRSC application.

My opinion is that a disability that is not rated by the VA as service connected, would not qualify for CRSC. That non-rated disability would not cause part of the VA offset; therefore, could not be a portion of the CRSC replacement of waived retired pay.

CRSC replaces waived retired pay for combat related disabilities. In other words, some or all of the VA compensation received was considered to be combat related .

The DoD Financial Management Regulation includes these selected guidelines:
DoD 7000.14-R Financial Management Regulation Volume 7B, Chapter 63 * May 2022
CHAPTER 63
COMBAT-RELATED SPECIAL COMPENSATION (CRSC)

CRSC provides special compensation to members of the Uniformed Services who have
retired pay reduced because of receiving U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability compensation where a portion of such VA disability compensation is the result of disabilities that are combat-related as determined by the Military Department.

NOTE: The Department will record for each disability determined to be combat-related which of the criteria provided at subparagraphs 5.2.1 through 5.2.4 qualifies the disability as combat-related. A determination of combat-relatedness (see section 6.0) will be made concerning each separate disability with an assigned medical diagnosis code from the VASRD. A retiree may have disabilities that are not combat-related. Such disabilities will not be considered in determining eligibility for CRSC or the amount of CRSC payable.

Good luck,
Ron

Thank you, Ron! That is helpful information and insight. In my case, the VA rated my FM as service connected (40% DoD and VA); they just didn't say it was due to my deployment to the region. I submitted the application in June, so I am hoping to hear back soon.

 

[chaplaincharlie]

I would definitely submit for fibro, it is presumptive

What are the presumptive conditions for Gulf War Veterans?​

Conditions diagnosed during active duty or at any time after separation​

We consider these undiagnosed illnesses presumptive if you served in a recognized location, a health care provider diagnosed you while you were on active duty or at any time after separation, and you’ve been ill for at least 6 months:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders
• Medically unexplained chronic multisymptom illness
• Other undiagnosed illnesses, such as cardiovascular signs and symptoms, muscle and joint pain, and headaches

 

[RonG]

Good point by @chaplaincharlie .

My remarks above were due my inference that his narrative included , “With that said, the VA did not attribute my fibromyalgia diagnosis to my deployment in Afghanistan on my decision letter.” meant he did not receive a rating for that disability from the VA.


Obviously, that was incorrect.

Two during the past ten days.

Ron

 

[LDub19]

My apologies for not being more specific. I appreciate both of your feedback on this. I’ve been a fan of this forum since I was medically retired in 2019. You have truly helped a lot of people, including those you didn’t know you were helping … like me.

 

[RonG]

My apologies for not being more specific. I appreciate both of your feedback on this. I’ve been a fan of this forum since I was medically retired in 2019. You have truly helped a lot of people, including those you didn’t know you were helping … like me.

Hello,

Thank you, but I should have reviewed your case more in depth.

Good luck with your CRSC case.

Regards,
Ron